Chad Mendes: I Gotta Be Honest, I Don’t Like the Nik Lentz

Chad Mendes (15-1) has never really been known for hyping up a fight with hatred and trash talk directed at his opponent. For his next bout at UFC on FOX 9 however, Mendes seems to have some added motivation.

Mendes will face off against Nik Lentz (24-5-2, 1 NC) on the main card as 1/4 of Team Alpha Male representatives on the card:

“I gotta be honest, I don’t like the guy. His demeanor, the way he thinks he’s gonna run through me. I just don’t think he’s fought anyone of my caliber, he has a big head on his shoulders, he talks a lot. He’s gonna fight someone who’s a true contender. [On Lentz’ confidence]

“I’m hoping that I go out there and put on a great statement, put on a show.”

Mendes also stated that he hadn’t disliked an opponent this much since a 2010 bout with Javier Vasquez before which Mendes was sent “stupid s***” to his hotel room prior to their fight. Mendes defeat Vasquez via unanimous decision.

Mendes didn’t take kindly to Lentz’ confidence which he labeled cockiness. Lentz answered back by stating that his confidence is understandable:

“I came here to make a statement. With my dress [outfit] with my fight. It’s about dame time I got some attention. If Chad [Mendes] thinks he’s gonna knock me out he’s sadly mistaken.”

Their fight is the second to occur on the main card and the first of three consecutive bouts for Team Alpha Male. With Mendes being hard pressed to regularly find an opponent, he feels a win over Lentz should grant him the next title shot at featherweight.

UFC on FOX 9 takes place at the Sleep Train Arena on Saturday, Dec. 14th. It is headlined by a flyweight title fight between Demetrious Johnson (18-2-1) and Joseph Benavidez (19-3).

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